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Tired of visiting many museums of Rajasthan, hearing more than what we could remember about the rich history, and burning out on the yellow desert, we were desperate for some natural greenery. And we found that in Mount Abu.

Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan is at a height of 1153 m above sea level. It is also the highest peak in the Aravalli Range of Western India. It is an abode of lakes, waterfalls, and evergreen forests, and is quite often referred to as “An oasis in the desert”.

Here’s all you need to know before you plan a trip to Mount Abu.

Things To Do In Mount Abu

Best Time To Visit

Although Mount Abu could be visited any time during the year, the temperature in winter could drop to a single digit. Being the only hill station in the dry state of Rajasthan, Summer is the peak season for tourists. But we think the best time to enjoy the scenery in pleasant weather is between November and March.

Network Availability

BSNL has wide network coverage in this region. However, there will be poor to moderate network reception when you travel away from the main town.

ATM Availability

Although few ATMs are available in the main town, it is always advisable to carry enough cash since ATMs might run out of cash at times, particularly on the weekends.

Languages Spoken

As one would expect, Hindi is the predominant language of the locals. Only a very few people speak English.

What To Eat And Where?

Although popular food chains like Dominos are available in Mount Abu, we recommend trying local cuisines near Nakki Lake. Some of the must-try dishes include Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Khichdi, Bajre ki Roti, Ghewar, and Malpua.

Note: Swiggy and Zomato services are not available in Mount Abu.

Where To Stay?

Nakki Lake being at the center of everything is the best location to stay. You can choose any property from budget hotels to luxury resorts based on your comfort. Here are a few recommendations.

• Abu Inn, Mount Abu – The Luxury Boutique Stay ($)
• Shaleen Elegance Homestay Nakki Lake 400 meters ($$)
• Rose Cottage – A Heritage Retreat ($$)
• Hotel Hillock ($$$)
• Palace Hotel – Bikaner House ($$$)

How To Reach?

By Air

The nearest domestic airport to Mount Abu is Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (185 Km, Airport Code: UDR) which connects only the major cities of India and the nearest International Airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (221 Km, AirportCode: AMD) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. You can hire a local taxi from the airport to reach the destination.

By Train

Abu Road railway station (28 Km, Station code: ABR) is the closest railway station that acts as the gateway to Mount Abu. This station offers connections to many major cities including Jaipur, Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Bangalore, and Mumbai. From here, you can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi.

By Road

Both government and private buses go to Mount Abu daily from nearby cities such as Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Jodhpur.

Commute Within The City

As Mount Abu is a hill station, the best way to commute is to hire a car or a motorbike of your choice. You can also opt for tuk-tuk and jeep services offered by the locals. Few local buses run at scheduled times which might not be convenient for you. 

Note: Ola and Uber services are not available in Mount Abu.

A driving license is compulsory to hire a vehicle from any rental. Petrol stations are available in Mount Abu, so refueling should be easy.

Adventure Activities

The beauty of Mount Abu is rarely spoken about and hence remains unexplored by most tourists. If you are an adrenaline junkie, you can book a package tour with the local travel agencies that offer activities like cave exploration, rock climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, and trekking.  

Contact: Bharat – 9799780703 or Manish – 9414201763 from Rajasthan Adventure and Nature Academy

Also read: The Great Rann Of Kutch – A Complete Visitor’s Guide

Places To Visit In Mount Abu

Nakki Lake

Nakki Lake, the first-ever man-made lake in India, forms the center of the town. You’ll find relaxing boat rides, water zorbing, and horse rides around the lake. Many eateries and souvenir shops are also available and usually are flooded with people. 

• Timings: 8.00 AM to 11.00 PM
• Entry fee: Free
• Parking: Available

Toad Rock Viewpoint

As the name suggests, the massive rock structure shaped like a toad is found on the south side of Nakki Lake. You have to climb around 100 steps to reach the top. Not many people visit this place but the view from here is sure to satisfy the wanderlust in you. 

• Timings: 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM
• Entry fee: Free
• Parking: Available

Sunset Point

This mountaintop is known for the sunsets on the horizon. From Nakki Lake, you can ride a horse or a pony at an additional cost to reach the viewpoint. However, we enjoyed the climb. Try to be there early to catch a seat for yourself as it gets quite crowded. 

• Distance: 2.5 Km from Nakki Lake
• Timings: 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM
• Entry fee: Rs. 50 per person
• Parking: Available 

Note: Beware of monkeys.

Dilwara Jain Temple

Dilwara Jain temple, built between the 11^th and 13^th centuries, is one of the noteworthy and must-visit places in Mount Abu for people who are into intricate marble carvings and architecture. This complex of five temples has miniature artwork carved from doorways to ceilings. A group of 20 to 25 people is allowed to visit at a time with a guide who takes you through the history of the temple. Cash donations to the guide are optional.

• Distance: 4 Km from Nakki Lake
• Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM for Jains and 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM for tourists
• Entry fee: Free. It is mandatory to submit the mobile phone and camera at the entrance for Rs.25
• Parking area: Available

Guru Shikhar

Guru Shikhar, standing at 1722 m above sea level is the highest point on Mount Abu. After climbing about 300 steps, the summit has a cave temple dedicated to Guru Dattatreya and his mother, Anasuya. Pilgrims come here to offer their prayers, and it’s also perfect for the sunrise and sunset snapshots for your postcard. If you go up further, there is a small Kedarnath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is one of our personal favorites and a trip to this place would’ve been incomplete without it.

• Distance: 15 Km from Nakki Lake
• Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM 
• Entry Fee: Free
• Parking area: Available

Arbuda Devi Cave Temple

Arbuda or Adhar Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is located at the top of a hill and you need to climb uphill through 350 steps. You can stop for snacks along the way as there are a few shops and food stalls available. This clifftop temple made of rock has its shrine inside a cave and you need to crawl to it. The temple is usually crowded during the nine days of the Navratri festival in October.

• Distance: 2 Km from Nakki Lake
• Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Entry fee: Free
• Parking area: Available

Note: Beware of monkeys and cameras are not allowed inside the cave.

Trevor’s Tank

This picnic spot is popular for crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife. So if animals fascinate you, this is the place to be. This man-made tank was named after the British engineer who built it in 1897 AD. Presently it is used by the authorities for breeding crocodiles as a wildlife conservation project, making it an ideal place for families and kids.

• Distance: 5 Km from Nakki Lake
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry fee: Rs. 30 per person, Rs. 30 for bikes, and Rs. 200 for cars.
• Parking: Available

Achalgarh Fort

The Achalgarh fort was originally built by Parmar Rajput kings and later reconstructed, renovated, and renamed by Maharana Jumbha in 1462 CE. Built to keep an eye on the invaders, this fort houses a Jain temple and the Achaleshwar Mahadev temple. The Achaleshwar Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is known for the Nandi which is made of Panchadattu, literally meaning five metals (gold, silver, copper, brass, and zinc). 

• Distance: 10 Km from Nakki Lake
• Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entry fee: Free
• Parking: Available

Honeymoon Point

Honeymoon Point or Anadara Point offers a panoramic view of the landscape from the summit. You can take your vehicles till the end but it’ll be difficult for larger vehicles to make a U-turn. 

• Distance: 12 Km from Nakki Lake
• Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM 
• Entry Fee: Free
• Parking: Available

Note: Beware of monkeys

Frequently Asked Questions

And thus we’ve come to the end of our adventure. If you want us to know more about the place, or about other places across the country, drop us a DM on Instagram or mail us.

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